Mast-hoop.



PATENTBD MAY 12, 1903.

R. W. VAIL.

MAST HOOP. APPLIOATION FILED JAN. 27, 1902.

H0 MODEL.

Wz'incs sea No. ta /371v.

UNITED STATES Patented 'May 12, 1903 ROBERT W. VAIL, OF NEW "YORK, NpY.

. MAST-HOOP;

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 727,717, dated May 12, 1903. Application filed January 27, 1902. Serial No. 91,491. (No model.)

ed certain new and useful Improvements in Mast-Hoops, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to mast-hoops for vessels; and its object is to provide a device of this character which may be clasped about a mast and readily manipulated to engage the thimble and rope of a sail.

A further object of the invention is to provide a mast-hoop which can be easily removed and replaced if broken and which can be readily detached from the sail when it is desired to remove the latter for cleaning, repairs, or storage. p

In the drawings, Figurel is a plan view of the mast-hoop embodying the invention, and

Fig. 2 is an edge view of the same.

My lmproved hoop comprises two semicircular sections A and B, one of which is provided at one end with parallel perforated cars X Z and at its opposite end with a projection N. The other section A is formed at one end with an ear Y, held pivotally between the ears X and Z by a suitable pin, and at its opposite end with a projection M, corresponding to the projection N of the other section.

The inner face of the projection M is formed with a curved recess 1 and is also recessed to form a concave surface 2 and a convex surface 3.

convex surface 6. The two projections M and N are formed with openings, one of which may be threaded to receive a thumb-screw Q, and when said projections are brought together and secured by the thumb-screw the two curved'recesses land 4 form a circular seat for the rope secured along the luff of the sail. The junction of the curved recesses 1 and 4c, concave surfaces 2 and 5, and convex 5 surfaces 3 and 6 serves to form approximately triangular spaces behind the thu mb-screw to permit a slight play of the sail without frictional wear against the projections M and N. This provision of means for entering but not rigidly binding upon a cringle or eye is an important feature of my invention. The convex projections formed by the rounded surfaces 6 closely approach each other within the cringle, but do not bind upon the eye, thus The projection N is also formed with. 35 a curved recess 4, a concave surface 5, and a affording an easy and effectual support for the sail without any liability of tearing or creasing at these fastening-points.

The operation and advantages of my improvement will be readily understood and appreciated. When it is desired to rig a vessel and a sufficient number of hoops of suitable size have been secured, they are passed about the mast and secured upon the luff of the sail until as many as are required have been attached. The said rope passes into the space or seat R of each hoop, and the sail-thimbles are held between the rounded faces of the projections, the thumb screws extending therethrough. It will be obvious that the sails may be quickly removed by loosening the screw and disconnecting the projections.

As shown in the drawings, the two sections of the hoop are each formed of metal in a single piece, aluminium being preferably employed. It is not essential, however, that each of the sections should consist of an integral casting, as said sections may be made up of connected parts, if desired, and any suitable material may be employed in their manufacture.

.Having thus described my invention, I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent- A mast-hoop comprising two semicircular section's centrally pivoted at the rear thereof, each section having a perforated projection extending from its front end and adapted to meet and abut against each other, and the projections thus opposed being so recessed and formed as to afford a secure seat for the rope, a space in which the edge of the sail may play slightly, and convex projections formed with rounded surfaces extending around the ends of the projections to loosely enter and closely approach each other within a sail-eye, and a thumb-screw passing through the perforations therein and' adapted to hold the parts together and upon the sail while permitting play of the eye around the holding device thus formed, substantially as set forth.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand, this 25th day of January, 1902, in the presence of the subscribing witnesses.

' ROBERT W. VAIL.

Witnesses:

ELIZABETH A. VAIL, WILLIAM PRICE, Jr. 

